Soiled laundry classifier



Dec. 10, 1968 L. v. DRACE SOILED LAUNDRY GLASSIFIER 5 SheetsSheet 1 Filed Sept. 27. 1966 l MII/N704? LAWRENCE v. vener Bf @MM Dec. 10, 1968 L. v. DRACE VSOILED LAUNDRY CLASSIFIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 27. 1966 Dec. l0, 1968 L.. v. DRACE SOILE) LAUNDRY CLASSIFIER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 27. 1966 United States Patent O 3,415,372 SOILED LAUNDRY CLASSIFIER Lawrence V.I Drace, 2020 Howard Ave., Las Vegas, Nev. 89105 Filed Sept. 27, 1966, Ser. No. 582,303 14 Claims. (Cl. 209-124) This invention relates to a composite handling or sorting assembly by which batches of mixed fabric pieces such as laundry flat-work can be segregated into their component classes in a continuous process, with a minimum of human handling or attention. For example, the maintenance laundry (as distinguished from personal laundry) from institutions such as hospitals, hotels, and other lodging establishments consists essentially of a jumble of sheets, blankets, pillow slips, wash cloths, face towels, bath towels, draperies, napkins, table covers, bar towels, etc., each of which it may be desired to separate into a group of like items-for one reason so that the number in each class can be counted to enable immediate replacement with a similar number of clean items, and also that each thus-segregated group may then be laundered as a class with use of the detergent formula best suited to it.

For this purpose there is here provided a primary conveyor means, in the form of a generally round and hori` Zontal, flattop sorting table which is continually revolved n a central vertical axis. At a presorting area, any large items like sheets and blankets are rst removed from the initial jumble and the remainder is then blown through an air tube and partially spread over the rotary sorting table, being deposited typically in a generally chordal path extending from one edge thereof to the other. It is then con* veyed by rotation of the table to one or more successive sorting stations located along the table edge, at each of which stations a worker segregates items belonging to several dilferent classes, by hand picking items and placing them on an outgoing secondary conveyer means which carries items of only that particular class.

The said secondary conveyer means for accumulating the thus-:classified items may typically comprise a cluster of endless belt conveyers which spacedly overlies most of the rotary table area including the chordal distribution path, and having their loading ends located within reach or tossing distance of at least one worker at a sorting station. The total number of conveyers is thus the number of classes into which the mixed laundry is to be classified or divided. The number of workers (or the corresponding number of sorting stations) is that fraction of the total number of conveyers which can be satisfactorily serviced by one worker; usually a worker can handle three or four conveyers, depending somewhat upon the speed and volume carried by the rotary table. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, there are two sorting stations or workers, and tive conveyers. Each worker places articles on the two conveyers closest to him which are most remote from the other worker, and both place items on the central of the ve conveyers, which is between them.

Conveniently such cluster of endless belt conveyers may be closely adjacent each other, mutually parallel, and driven by a common drive shaft at the loading end, with their discharge ends at unequal distances from the drive Shaft end. Accumulation means are located at the dis charge end of each conveyer and the latter are also provided with automatic counting and quota signaling means so thatin addition to obtaining a total count of items handled by each conveyer-the collection of like items thus accumulated or classified may be segregated in groups or bundles each having a count (by weight or number) of a predetermined quota. Means are also provided for automatically discharging such bundles upon accumulation of the preset quota, which may be the quantity, for example, which is charged to the tumbler (or a portion thereof) in a washing (or drying) machine.

Accordingly an overall object of the invention is t0 provide automated or semi-automated means for thus separating mixed fabric or laundry items .into their several classes, counting the units in each class and segregating them into bundles of predetermined quotas, and then periodically discharging or setting apart such successive bundles as they are continuously formed. Such a quota or multiple thereof may equal the quantity which it is desired to charge to an automatic washer. In addition to obviating much tedious-type manual work, the present apparatus eliminates the unreliability of human counting of piles of laundry (whether of like or dissimilar items), and further separates the initial jumbles into its composite classes simultaneous with mechanically counting them, plus periodically grouping together quotas or quantities for subsequent handling, such as charging directly to a washer.

Additional objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds, having particular reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that specific operating speeds and enumeration of particular items segregated or excluded are given by way of example and are not intended as necessary limitations upon the operating conditions of the apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic perspective of my presorting unit, rotary table, and cluster of conveyers, plus back-up bins.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof with some structures :broken away.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the rotary table and conveyers as viewed along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a transverse vertical section taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a similar view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a fragmental view in perspective of the loading end of several adjacent conveyers, particularly showing the deliectors and guard elements.

FIG. 7 is a Ifragmental view in perspective of the discharge end of one conveyer with parts broken away, and particularly showing the automatic counter and quota indicator.

FIG. 8 is a fragmental elevational view of the discharge end of the conveyer, showing a modification by which a predetermined weight deposited in the laundry cart activates the quota indicator.

FIG. 9 is a similar view of another modification, showing an accumulation hopper at the discharge end of the conveyer, which automatically empties upon receiving a predetermined load.

FIG. 10 is a construction detail showing the vertical section taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 2, the wiper guard and supporting structure adjacent the outer moving edge of the rotary table.

In outline, my composite assembly orI apparatus integrates :four units: a presorting surface A, from which a jumble of items are transferred toand spread out in relatively dispersed array -over a primary conveyer means, preferably comprising a flattop, continually rotating, sorting table B. From the rotary table B, a secondary conveyer 'means in t-he form of a cluster of endless-belt conveyers C run outward from their respective loading ends which are located overlying the table B and closely adjacent to one or more `edge-located sorting stations, at each of which a worker picks items from the rotating table and classies each by placing it on the appropriate one of the conveyers. At the end of each conveyer is an accumulation area containing an associated receptacle D which receives successive predetermined quotas of similar items from its particular conveyer, and upon accumulation of each such quota, separates it from the next accumulating quota of the continuing conveyer-feed. Each quota can be set aside for future handling; or alternately, `it can be charged (directly or indirectly) into a washing machine or other mechanically treating unit. Such quota or charge may be determined `either lby weight or by number, and for the latter purpose an automatic counter is provided along each conveyer line. Means `are also provided for signaling the accumulation of a preset quota Afor each conveyer line; such signal may be the triggering of discharge mechanism which empties the hopper holding the quota. Or it may be a visual (or audible) signal upon which a worker replaces a quota-full receptacle with an empty one.

The presorting unit A is essentially a more-or-less planar surface or area 20 which may be located at any convenient height, as by means of supports or legs 22. Near one margin of the surface and with its entry mouth ush therewith, it is downwardly directed, funnel-like outlet 24. Along the opposite edge 2i, is hingedly mounted an invertable open-top trough 26 into which successive ju-mbles of items are rst placed; the trough is then inverted from time to time by action of a pneumatic piston 28 so as to spill the contents onto the surface 20. From each load thus spread or deposited on the work surface 20, an operator manually pulls out large articles such as sheets, blankets, shower curtains, etc. and then pushes the remainder into the outlet 24, aided sometimes by a hoe-shaped pushrod (not shown).

Dependently, the outlet funnel 24 opens into an air tube or conduit 30, along the length of which the descended laundry items are then propelled by means of a blower 32 which is operated yby an electric motor 34 or similar power source. An upslanted, distal length 31 of the conduit terminates at an exit mouth 33 which spacedly overlies the surface of the rotary table B and directs the outblown items L in a generally chordal path P across the table B. To the extent that articles of lighter weight may be blown further across the table, there is a certain amount of separation on this basis; but in any event, the jumble or mixture of items is spread over the rotating surface in a relatively dispersed array so as to be carried then to the workers or sorting stations in a spread-out dispersed state, in contrast to the compacted-ball form in which they may have existed when in the trough 26.

The said primary conveyer means, or rotary table unit B, is formed of a flattop, circular surface 36 integrally supported upon an inner cylindrical casing 39. The latter (together with the surface 36) rotates within an outer, stabilizing shell 38 which is centrally anchored within a trio of posts 46 by means of a vertically spaced pair of oppositely directed, suspension arms 47, 48 which seat corresponding ends of a coil spring 49 held therebetween. The rotary surface 36 and the dependent casing 39 are rotated by a vertical shaft 40 which is driven by a motor 44 by means of a drive belt 42. Supported by uprights 5l, is an annular L-shaped barrier wall 50 (FIG. l0) which surrounds the outer edge of the rotary surface 36 and secures a semi-flexible, concave-shaped seal 52, which may be formed of leather or nylon, so `as to slidingly engage the rotary table and overlie the intersection and prevent laundry items L from being caught or lodged in the crack. Above the wall S0, extending around about 70% of the circle which may be subject to air currents lfrom the pneumatic mouth `31, is an upstanding screen S6. Along the segment of the rotary table which is not inclosed 'by the screen, there is an annular walkway or platform `57 which thus locates two sorting stations S1, S2 each having space for one workman standing facing the table 36 with his back to storage bins 3S. The latter serve to hold odd items of laundry or the like which may have become mixed with the jumble and are now extracted by an operator (and may thus -be simply tossed over his shoulder to a back-up bin 35).

An open frame F of interconnected upright 53 and transverse 54 angle irons, and cross braced by diagonal struts 55, supports a closely grouped cluster of mutually parallel and generally horizontal, endless-belt conveyers Cil, C2, C3, C4, C5, which constitute the said secondary conveyer means, and which collectively are spaced above the rotary surface 36, overlying a major portion of it, but leaving exposed (for pickup of items by the sorting workers) a chordal segment or area 37 (FIG. 2). The conveyers are all driven at the same speed (eg. 150 ft./min.) by a common drive shaft 5S `actuated from a motor 59 by means of drive belts 60, 61 and idler pulley 62 (FIG. 3). Between each of the tive conveyers, lengthwise along the drive shaft 58, are (four) outwardly-convex guards 64 which thus spacedly overlie the short lengths of driveshaft which are intermediate each adjacent pair of conveyers, the opposite ends of each guard extending loosely over the adjacent margins of the pair of moving conveyer belts 63.

Immediately downstream from the loading end of the several conveyers, the channel walls 65, 66 extend upward and are slanted angularly toward each other like an inverted-V 67, 68 (FIGS. 5-6) so as to form an itemdetlecting surface or slideway on either side of the longitudinal ridge or apex 69 of the V. These several deiiector guides terminate along a common cross line '70 at what might be considered the end of tossing distance of the items being placed on the conveyers from the exposed pickup area 37 of the table 36.

The several conveyers are of unequal length, with their remote or delivery ends arranged in a collective V-formation when viewed in plan. This configuration of the 1accumulation area is produced to avoid unduly crowding together the respective receptacle means D, particularly when the latter take the forni of rollable carts 72 which can be pushed about the floor. Since all of the carts may not ll at the same time, there must be iioor space available to withdraw each individual cart and replace it with another one without disturbing those others still filling.

Overlying the discharge end of each conveyer is a deflector shield 74 having a down-curved contact-face. An adjustable tensioning unit 75 is located along each side of the channel, secured to the outer face thereof adjacent the discharge end in position to adjust the tension of the idler roller 76 against the webbing or conveyer material 63. Mounted along opposite sides of the channel of each conveyer C, are a light source 77 (FIG. 7) and a transversely aligned photoelectric unit or automatic counter 7S which may employ a selenium cell or other sensing device to operate an electrical relay. The sensing receiver 78 sends an electrical impulse to a monitor box 82 which is located adjacent the sorting station S2. Here the impulse is divided and sent respectively to a solenoid-operated read-out counter in the box 82 (Veeder-Root counter, Model No. 120506), and to a solenoid-operated quota counter 81 (HZ Series Microflex Reset Counter manufactured by The E. W. Bliss Co.) which triggers the lamp 79 and is then (manually) reset by the button 80. In other words, with this construction the lamp 79 signals the preset quota being reached, and by pressing the switch button 80, the operator can then (at the same time that he replaces the filled cart 72) start the quota indicator on another count to again accumulate such vquota. At the same time, the continuing total count for each conveyor is being shown at the monitor unit 82. The lamp 79 may be replaced with a buzzer; in either event it serves to alert both the operator at the accumulation area (so as to move a cart 72) as well as the workers at the sorting stations, so that the latter do not place more items on the particular conveyer until the cart 72 Ihas been moved or the quota button 80 reset.

In the modication illustrated in FIGURE 8, the preset quota is determined by weight rather than by numerical count. When wet articles, such as bar towels or bath towels, are being classified by the present apparatus, their composite weights may not invariably be related to their numerical count as in the case of dry items. In some in` stances, it is desired to check the item count against the weight (whether wet or dry); other times the dry weight can be taken as an accurate indicia of the numerical count of like items, since it is known how much the individual item weighs. Accordingly the cart 72a may be located on a scale 84 which at a preset weight actuates -a trip-switch 86 which is connected to t-he quota indicating unit 81 or lamp 79. By the further modication of FIGURE 9, a hopper DH is provided with a spring-loaded regulator valve 88 which either at a predetermined weight or a numerical quota signaled by the counter unit 81, trips an air cylinder 90 to open the discharge gate 92. The latter may empty directly into a washing machine or onto another conveyer 94. In this case, since t-he necessary response to the quota-signal is automatic, that is the discharge of the hopper contents, the prior visual signal 79 is eliminated.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various changes of construction and operation may be made within the present inventive concept, having in mind the su'bstitution of functional equivalents, and therefor this disclosure is not to be limited by the precise details shown in the drawings and particularly described in the specification by way of example, but it is my intention to hereafter claim the invention broadly in its distinction from the prior art. I claim: 1. Apparatus of the character described for segregating classes of fabric pieces and t'he like from a jumble of the same, such as a mixture of laundry items, said apparatus comprising in combination:

primary conveyer means forming a closed path having at least one manual sorting station for a worker located adjacent an edge thereof, and means for continuously moving said conveyer means relative to said station so as to successively return items to the station until removal therefrom by the worker;

delivery means adapted for spreading a mixture of fabric items onto said primary conveyer means anterior to said station so as thence to be carried to said sorting station by said continuous movement; and

a cluster of conveyers directed transverse to said rotary table and each having a loading end disposed closely adjacent said sorting station, each of said conveyers being adapted simultaneously to receive successive items of thesame class which are placed thereon by a worker and having means to convey same to -a discharge end which is located at an accumulation area for similar items, thereby separating said jumble into as many different classes of items -as there are conveyers.

2. The apparatus of the preceding claim 1 wherein said delivery means includes a pneumatic conduit and assocated propulsion means for spreading said mixture of fabric items across said primary conveyer means.

3. The apparatus of the preceding claim 1 which additionally includes a plurality of periodically-dischargable collection means located at said accumulation area for reception of items from the discharge end of the several conveyers, and quota indicating means responsive to the accumulation in said respective collection means of a predetermined quantity of said similar items delivered thereto by an individual conveyer.

4. The apparatus of the preceding claim 1 wherein said accumulation area includes a hopper disposed to receive items from the delivery end of one of said conveyers, and load-responsive discharge means adapted to empty the contents of the hopper upon accumulation of a predetermined quantity of said items therein.

5. The apparatus of the preceding claim 1 wherein said cluster of conveyers are operated by a common drive shaft adjacent said sorting station, said conveyers and drive shaft being spaced above the primary conveyer means and generally overlying the area thereof over which said delivery means is positioned to spread the mixture of fabric items.

6. The apparatus of the preceding claim 5 wherein the conveyers of said cluster are disposed substantially mutually parallel, and the loading ends thereof are characterized by longitudinally directed, inVerted-V-shape deiiector guides overlying the intersections between channels of adjacent conveyers.

7. The apparatus of the preceding claim 1 which additionally includes a presorting surface characterized by a dependent outlet funnel, and said continuous delivery means comprises a pneumatic conduit between said funnel and the primary conveyer means for conveying fabric pieces therethrough from the presorting surface to said primary conveyer means.

8. The apparatus of the preceding claim 6 which additionally includes a presorting surface characterized by a dependent outlet funnel, and said continuous delivery means comprises a pneumatic conduit between said funnel and the primary conveyer means for conveying fabric pieces therethrough from the presorting surface to said primary conveyer means, and which apparatus includes periodically-dischargeable collection means located at said accumulation area for reception of items from the discharge end of individual conveyers, and quota indicating means responsive to the accumulation in said collection means of a predetermined quantity of said similar items delivered thereto 'by an individual conveyer.

9. The apparatus of the preceding claim 1 which includes in association with at least one of said conveyers, automatic counting means for totaling items carried by the conveyer, and quota indicating an-d separating means adapted to separate successive accumulations of a predetermined quota of said items carried by said conveyer.

10. The apparatus of the preceding claim 9 wherein said indicating and separating means are responsive to a quota determined by weight.

11. Apparatus of t-he character described for segregating classes of fabric pieces and the like from a jumble of the same, such as a mixture of laundry items, said apparatus comprising in combination:

primary conveyer means for bringing a jumble of such items to a sorting station and there presenting same in a relatively disperse array;

a plurality of secondary conveyer means -outwardly directed from said sorting station, each adapted there to receive a diierent class of articles from said jumble and to convey same to a discharge end at an accumulation area; and

means located at said accumulation area for accumulating and periodically discharging a predetermined quota of said articles from the respective secondary conveyer means, including quota indicating means for signaling the accumulation of said predetermined quota.

12. The apparatus of the preceding claim 11 wherein said quota indicating means includes automatic counting means for determining said quota by numerical count.

13. The apparatus of the preceding claim 11 wherein said quota indicating means includes means for determining said quota by Weight.

14. Apparatus of the character described for segregating classes of fabric pieces and the like from a jumble of the same, such as a mixture of laundry items, said apparatus comprising in combination:

a generally ilattop rotary table having at least one manual sorting station for a worker located adjacent an edge thereof, and means for continuously rotating said ta'ble relative to said station;

7 8 a cluster of conveyers directed transversely to said ro- References Cited tary table, and vertically spaced therefrom, each hav- UNITED STATES PATENTS lng a loading end disposed closely adjacent a sorting station and having operating means to convey 214861118 10/1949 Clark 19g-40 X successive items placed thereon to a discharge end 5 218061403 9/1957 Smoky 209-124 X distant from said rotary table, said conveyers having 310731402 1/1963 Greene et al 19g-40 X their loading ends disposed closely adjacent one another and characterized by longitudinally directed, ALLEN N' KNOWLESPnmary Exammer' inverted-V-shape delector guides overlying the inter- U.S. C1. XR. sections between channels of adjacent conveyers. 10 l98-40; 214-302 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,415,372 December lO, 1968 Lawrence V. Drace It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 5, llnes 46 and 47, "said rotary table" should read said primary Signed and sealed this 24th day of March 1970.

(SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

Commissioner of Patents Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Attesting Officer 

14. APPARATUS OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED FOR SEGREGATING CLASSES OF FABRIC PIECES AND THE LIKE FROM A JUMBLE OF THE SAME, SUCH AS A MIXTURE OF LAUNDARY ITEMS, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: A GENERALLY FLATTOP ROTARY TABLE HAVING AT LEAST ONE MANUAL SORTING STATION FOR A WORKER LOCATED ADJACENT AN EDGE THEREOF, AND MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY ROTATING SAID TABLE RELATIVE TO SAID STATION; A CLUSTER OF CONVEYOR DIRECTED TRANSVERSELY TO SAID ROTARY TABLE, AND VERTICALLY SPACED THEREFROM, EACH HAV- 